News

W.K. ‘Pete’ Grange 1932-2013

May 21, 2013

RUTHVEN -- Funeral service for W.K. "Pete" Grange was held Friday, May 17, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven. The Rev. Tom Summerfield officiated.

Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery, Ruthven. The Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Ruthven was in charge of arrangements.

Wallace K. Grange, Sr. (Pete), son of Walter and Elizabeth (Nelson) Grange was born on Sept. 13, 1932 on a farm near Ruthven. He attended various country schools and graduated from Ruthven High School in 1951. After graduation Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Sill Army Base in Lawton, OK, where he met his future wife, Mary E. Hagan.

Pete and Mary were married on May 29, 1954 in Jackson, MN. Shortly after their marriage, Pete started his lifetime passion of farming which he would continue for over 50 years before moving into town in September of 2009.

Pete and Mary owned and operated the Thunderbird Steakhouse for many years.

Pete was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven. He was also honored as a 50 year member of the Ruthven American Legion. He served as township trustee and worked every election day until failing health prevented him from doing so.

Pete passed away on Monday, May 13, 2013 at the Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, at the age of 80. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Wallace Kevin Grange, Jr.

Pete leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 59 years, Mary of Ruthven; a daughter, Leta Brown and her husband, Kurt of Primghar; a son, Alan Grange and his wife, Linda of Ruthven; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers and their wives, Bob and Lois Grange and Bill and Ginger Grange, all of Ruthven; as well as many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.